A/N Merry Christmas and thank you all so much! Let's see now, ah yes, when we left our couple Daryl had gone right in for the kiss. Let's start there.
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His hand was still cradling her face as he pulled back from the kiss, smiling. "Thanks for the beer but the kiss was better. See ya tomorrow Beth Greene."
She managed a small smile but no words. She hadn't expected the kiss, not that she didn't like it, she liked it a lot. It was just such a surprise. He was a surprise. Never would she have guessed the rough looking neighbor could be so tender.
Before he shut the door he smiled one more time, "I bet once ya finally start talkin' ya ain't ever gonna stop, are ya?"
She was looking down a little but she smiled when she whispered, "Quit."
"Hey, I ain't complainin' either way." And the door shut.
She should have been tidying up and she should have been getting to bed early, she had work and a date the next day. But if she didn't share what had happened that evening she was sure she'd burst. She was so excited she couldn't sit still.
She had to call Maggie right away.
Maggie sounded both concerned and kind of angry, "Well what I'd like to know is just who the heck is sending you all this stuff Bethie. That's just crazy. It doesn't make any sense at all. Hmph."
"I don't know. It's so weird but Daryl says he's not worried. He said it doesn't seem malicious and that it might be someone whose just messing with him."
"Well whoever it is they must have nothing but money to spend and a very strange sense of humor." Later Maggie would pray for forgiveness of her lying and mischievous ways. For now though? Well she was having way too much fun sitting back and watching it all play out. She just wished she could be a darn fly on the wall.
Beth got her new boots put away and their little mess cleaned up, and she got to bed. She couldn't fall asleep though, not at first. She couldn't stop thinking about Daryl Dixon, about all they'd talked about and shared. Most of all she couldn't forget about the kiss.
He couldn't believe he kissed her. He'd debated all day about whether to even show up for the beer. People say shit like that all the time, "Come by, we'll have a beer." They don't really mean it, not most of the time anyway. But with the neighbor, well so far she sure as hell didn't seem like the kind to waste words. It was all she could do to make conversation. So, yeah, when he reminded himself of that he knew the invitation must be sincere.
He smiled thinking about it, and he got it, he understood her shyness. He wasn't one for striking up conversations either and it usually took him a long time to warm up to people. Except her. Once they'd finally started talking he'd warmed up and opened up to her right away. Shit, he'd even come clean about Merle.
She was different. Special. He already felt like he could trust her, and there weren't many folks he trusted.
She changed a little when he asked about her work, she seemed to be fine with talking about school and the job and what all it involved. She was more comfortable. He was willing to wait around for her to get more comfortable talking about all the other things he'd like her to share with him.
But the kiss. The kiss had been the best thing to happen for him in years. He was glad he'd acted on instinct, that he hadn't stopped to think about it. If he had, he may not have done it. He would have missed out.
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She took a deep breath before she even opened the door Friday morning. She didn't know why she was so nervous.
Sure enough, there he was, right there. Not down at his door, he was at her door, "G'mornin' Beth Greene." As soon as the words were out of his mouth he leaned in and kissed her cheek.
For some reason she giggled, maybe it was the nerves, maybe it was just that this was fun. That's what it was, she was having so much fun with him in her life, "Good morning to you Daryl Dixon."
He reached out his hand and she gave him her keys, he locked her door, smiled and said, "C'mon then, I'll walk ya ta the car."
He held the door as she got in, then leaned down so they were eye to eye, "Ya have ya a good day today. I'll see ya at seven."
This time when she smiled the words came out, "I'm looking forward to it." Then the color came up in her cheeks.
"Yeah, me too."
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He told her the place they were going was nice but not too fancy. A local restaurant with a reputation for the best food in the county. Afterward he said they'd have a drink at a little bar he'd been to. Even though it didn't sound like such a big deal she was a wreck trying to get ready. She knew why. It was all Daryl. He was a very big deal.
She finally had to call Maggie, who made her send selfies of herself in three different outfits. Maggie had it all figured out two minutes later. Beth still wasn't exactly sure. It wasn't like she and Maggie had the same style. But then Maggie knew a lot more about dating and what guys like than Beth did. Oh well, what could she do? A decision had to be made.
At seven on the dot the knock came to her door. "Evenin' Beth, ya ready?"
"Yes, let me just grab my coat and purse." He didn't know a lot about how a man ought to treat a woman on date, but there were two things he was sure of. Be nice and be thoughtful. He stepped in the apartment and took the coat from her hand, holding it up while she slipped her arms in.
He took her key and locked her door and then he did something that surprised them both, he took her hand in his. That wasn't all. Before they began their walk to his truck he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. A warm little kiss that set the mood. They both smiled and he told her, "Ya look real pretty tonight Beth Greene."
She always looked real pretty to him, but somehow she'd managed to look even prettier than usual. And sexy. She looked real sexy. She had on tight black pants that were really showing off that sweet little body of hers. And there was the short tight top, kind of gold-colored and sparkly, and a little black jacket that also fit tight and hit at the waist. And her motorcycle boots. He'd never seen anyone look so hot in motorcycle boots.
She smiled and that made him smile, "Thank you Daryl Dixon, you look very handsome." And he did. He was wearing black jeans and a plaid flannel shirt, and rather than the puffy coat he usually wore, he was wearing a black leather jacket. That wasn't all though, he had on his black motorcycle boots. He looked hot, that was all there was to it. Hot.
Their salads hadn't even come yet and she'd already finished a glass of wine. She was so nervous and it went down so easy. Maybe just a little too easy, he was only halfway through his beer. Apparently when the full glass of wine hit her empty stomach the combination gave her a little something called liquid courage. That question that had been nagging her all week formed into words and those words just spilled right out of her mouth, "Was it the way I looked that day? Is that why you said you're scared of me?"
His beer was poised, right there at his lips. His arm came down slow as he set it back on the table, his eyes were locked on her and his brow furrowed. He was just about to ask her what the hell she was even talking about, when he thought maybe he remembered. "Ya talkin' bout the other mornin' in the laundry room?"
She had a little of that sass in her tone when she answered, "Well yes I am."
He couldn't help himself, she brought it out in him, the smile just spread across his face as his hand reached over and covered hers. "Girl, you are sumthin' else. There ain't one thing bout the way ya look that scares me. What scares me bout you Beth Greene is I think it'd be real easy."
Now her brow wrinkled, "Real easy? Just what in the world are you talking about Daryl Dixon."
Now his arm went around her shoulders and he pulled her over closer, "C'mon girl, can't ya see it? What I mean is, real easy ta fall for ya."
"Oh."
Darn if the salads didn't come right when they were sharing that moment.
He thanked the waitress as she set them on the table. When he turned back to Beth she was looking down at her plate like it was the most fascinating salad she'd ever seen. But she did something that surprised them both. She slowly reached her hand over and lay it on his. Her voice was barely above a whisper and she never did look up, but she said what was in her heart and that's all that mattered to them, "I could fall too."
They didn't talk anymore, not for a while. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence. The truth was they both felt much better now that it was out in the open. Like the pressure was off. She knew he was real interested, and he knew she was real interested.
The dinner came and he asked her if the fish was alright and she said it was. She asked him if his steak was good and he said it was. Then he asked, "Ya got your heart set on goin' for a drink?"
"No, not really. Why?"
"Maybe we just ride around a while, talk an stuff, I mean, if you're ready ta start talkin'. Otherwise I guess we ride around an think about what we'd say if we was talkin'."
For some reason what he said, and maybe it had something to do with how he said it, gave her a case of the giggles. "You just wait Daryl Dixon, I'm going to talk your ear off."
He was laughing just a little himself, "I hope so Beth Greene."
She told him she felt uncomfortable driving around Rochester. She said she didn't know where too many places were, and she was reluctant to go out on her own exploring.
That was his cue and he drove as slow as the traffic would allow pointing out as many things and places to her he imagined she may have the slightest interest in.
Eventually he pulled up to the curb next to a park, "So what is it you're wantin' Beth? I mean do ya think ya wanna stay here in Minnesota for good?"
"I like it fine here, but no. I signed a contract to stay at the hospital for a year. After that I'm sure I'll go back home to Georgia. Maybe not right there where my folks are, but not too far."
She thought he looked happy with her answer. She asked him, "What about you Daryl, are you thinking of staying for good?"
"Nah, I did the same, signed on for a year. I like the work, it's good. But I'm anxious ta get back home ta Georgia. I got a little house an I's thinkin' ta start my own business. Ain't nuthin' really stoppin' me from that. I got the tools, I got the rig, I got my journeyman's license an I got some money put back. So yeah, I plan ta head home when my contract's up."
His answer made her real happy and she nodded, "Good."
She made him smile again and he reached his hand over, gently running his palm over her hair, "Yeah, good. Seems we're headed ta the same place."
She didn't respond with words, she just turned pink and smiled at him and then looked down at her hands. He reached over, put his hand over hers and gently squeezed.
He put the truck in gear and they drove around a bit longer and she'd gone quiet. He teased, "I thought you was gonna talk my ear off Beth Greene." He glanced over and she was sound asleep.
He tried to keep his laughing and his voice quiet when he muttered, "I must be fascinatin' company."
He pulled in the closest spot he could find in the apartments' lot. It was getting mighty cold out. The shorter the walk the better. He hated to wake her, but he had to. With his finger lightly stroking along her cheek he quietly said, "Hey girl. Beth?" Her eyes slowly opened and he smiled, "Ya fell out on me."
She startled awake, "Oh my gosh, I fell asleep! Oh no, oh I'm so sorry. That's just rude." Even in the dim light he could see her face was red.
"Hey, if you're tired you're tired. I kept ya up too late last night, huh?"
"No, no it wasn't your fault Daryl. After you left I called my sister, then I went to bed, but I had a little trouble falling asleep."
"Yeah I had some trouble too."
He walked her to her door and unlocked it for her. He didn't wait for an invitation, he stepped right in and shut the door behind him. His arms went around her waist and he pulled her close, "I had a real good time tonight. Real good."
"I did too, thank you for the nice dinner. Everything was so good. And the ride, I really loved seeing the town through your eyes, and now I know where more places are."
"Anytime ya wanna go someplace all ya gotta do is ask me. I'll take ya wherever ya wanna go."
That was all the conversation they had. His hands had moved to caress her head and his fingers were weaving through her hair, as he moved his mouth to hers. The kiss was deep, long and filled with desire. She didn't hold back any more than he did and their bodies moved closer to each other.
He was the first to pull away, hands now cupping her cheeks. It wasn't that he wanted to stop. He never wanted to stop. But maybe it was too soon and he didn't want to push things with her. He didn't want her thinking that was all he was after. "I better get on home. Ya get a good night's sleep an thanks again for comin' out with me Beth Greene."
"Thank you for inviting me. You get a good night's sleep too Daryl Dixon."
She knew it was probably wrong. She was supposed to be a "nice" woman and all, but she wished he would have stayed longer. She hadn't wanted to stop kissing him, ever. She didn't want to stop him at all. Maybe it was a good thing one of them had some self-control.
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He left the next morning for St. Cloud to visit Merle and he was feeling pretty down. Not about seeing his brother. As big a dumbass as Merle could be he never failed to make Daryl laugh. What he was down about was he wasn't going to be seeing Beth.
Maybe he should have invited her to come with him. He could have taken her to the shopping mall or somewhere to hang out while he was visiting. They could have explored the area a little. They could have had an early dinner or something. Coulda, shoulda, woulda. He hadn't even thought to make plans for that evening. This dating thing had a great big learning curve to it.
She was disappointed, she'd hoped he'd make plans for them to do something Saturday, and she really was hoping he'd ask her about Saturday night. He didn't. Maybe he was one of those guys that did that thing, the thing where they make one date a week with you. Gosh, she'd like it so much better if he was the type who wanted to get together every day. She wanted to get together with him every day.
She did her cleaning and her laundry and grocery shopping and then around noon she got a call. It was a woman who worked the swing shift at the hospital. She'd gotten a last-minute party invitation and was looking for someone to cover her shift that evening. Being the kind that always wants to help out, Beth said yes.
Daryl got home from visiting Merle and went by her place. Maybe she'd like to go grab a bite or see a movie, but she didn't answer. He was bummed, and again he got after himself for not asking her earlier. He figured he must have been asleep by the time she got home because he never heard her. Sunday late morning he again knocked on her door and again there was no answer.
She knew she was no night owl, but she hadn't expected working at night to hit her so hard. She was a little miffed at herself for not thinking to take a nap before she went in. It was noon on Sunday by the time she finally woke up.
She got dressed and she wanted so much to stop by his place. If she could bring herself to knock on his door maybe he'd want to take her to the big building he'd pointed out. The one that housed all the separate crafter's booths. She didn't have the nerve to knock though. If he wanted to see her he would have asked.
She went by herself and was amazed by the place. There were so many stands each with beautiful handcrafted items. So many were Christmas things it made that twinge of sadness creep in. She was still dreading Christmas alone. She was able to find gifts for her folks and Shawn and Maggie. At least she got her shopping done.
She was feeling pretty low by the time she got home and called Maggie.
When Maggie hung up the phone she knew, an emergency intervention was needed. This one would break the bank. No one was getting a dang thing from her this Christmas!
Sunday morning, when he knocked and she wasn't home he'd been disappointed. He was hoping maybe they could spend the day together. He changed his plan, deciding to go scout some good hunting and fishing spots he'd heard about from the guys at work. By the time he did and then stopped to eat it was six when he got home. His phone rang the minute he walked in the door. It was the boss wanting Daryl to come in early, six a.m. Shit he wouldn't even see Beth before work Monday morning.
She almost cried when he wasn't at her door in the morning. Had she done something wrong? Did he decide the whole thing had been a mistake? He wasn't interested at all? She had a rough Monday.
Daryl had a rough Monday.
Things got interesting when he got home. There was a note on his door. It wasn't a yellow post it note; it was a big white piece of paper and the note was written in red. "Package Waiting in Office. Says whatever's in it is alive." WTF?
He hurriedly put his tools on the table and went to see what the hell it could be. As soon as he saw the package he knew, it wasn't a live animal. It was a damn plant of some kind. It came in a big box and on the outside that's just what it said, "Live Plant." And whoever sent it paid a fortune to do it. It came special expedited overnight freight.
Just like the other packages it was addressed to him, but below it read, Attention: Beth Greene. He smiled. If nothing else it was a good excuse to knock on her door.
He suddenly felt nervous. Maybe the reason she hadn't answered her door was she knew it was him. Maybe she didn't want to see him. Maybe she'd decided it was a mistake and that she wasn't interested at all. Or maybe it was the kiss. Maybe it was too much too soon. But he had the package, he had to knock.
Almost as soon as she called out "Coming" the door flew open. Her eyes were big and she smiled, "Daryl."
She didn't know why, but just the sight of him made her feel emotional. She was so happy he was there. She'd almost managed to convince herself she was never going to see him again. And then he smiled, leaned down and softly kissed her cheek, "Hey Beth Greene, ya got a package."
"Hey Daryl Dixon. If you'll set it on the table I'll get you a beer."
"You go on an sit down, relax Beth. I'll get the beer and wine."
He'd just opened the refrigerator door when he felt it. He froze and it wasn't from the cool air, it was her. She'd wrapped her arms around his waist and she was holding on tight. Her head was laying on his back and he could barely hear her nervous whisper, but he heard it, "I missed you."
He pushed the refrigerator closed and stood there, taking in the moment and her touch. He slowly turned, not wanting her to let go and she didn't. He wrapped his arms around her and now her head lay on his chest and he told her, "I missed you too. I shoulda made plans with ya, maybe ya gotta remind me a these things."
His hands moved up to her hair, his fingers running through the already messy blonde curls, he leaned in and kissed her and that kiss left her no doubt he wanted her. But he still didn't want to push, everything was so new. He just couldn't imagine it though, the thought of her not being in his life. It just felt so right when they were together, like it was meant to be that way.
His arms were still around her and hers around him and he drew back just a bit, just to look in her eyes. Then he remembered. The package. "Ya think we oughta see what ya got this time? It's alive so it ain't gloves or boots."
They were both smiling, stealing glances at one another as he slipped the knife from his pocket and carefully opened the package. It was a Christmas wreath, not really alive as far as he was concerned. But he supposed it was like fresh flowers or whatever. The words were no sooner out of his mouth, "It's one a them Christmas wreaths ta hang on your door," When Beth Greene burst into tears.
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A/N Thank you all so much for reading along. Please leave a comment / review. The chapter photo is posted on my tumblr blogs gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check them out. Next chapter we'll be back to our regular posting schedule, Monday. I hope to see you back here then. If you celebrate, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases. Remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee